Meaning of the name

The portion is named VaYikra, , literally "and he called out", because it begins with God

calling out to Moses from the Tent of Meeting.
The portion, which begins the Book of Leviticus, begins the ongoing detailed description in this book of the different sacrifices which are to be brought to the Temple, specifying the need for each sacrifice, the way it is to be offered, and different laws relating to it. The list begins with stating that a sacrifice to God which is brought from livestock must be from the herd or from the flock. There is a detailed description of how the sacrifice is brought, how the animal is slaughtered, what is done with the different parts and how the sacrifice is burned on the altar. Offerings of birds are also

accepted. A burnt offering such as these is called an "Ola",. All of the offering is burned before God.
In addition to offerings of animals, it is also possible to bring an offering called "minxa", , which is an offering of grain and oil. The remainder of the offering after it has been burned is given to the priests.

The numerous circumstances requiring this offering are listed.

Read the full Torah portion (including the Commentary)

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